Unconscious Bias – Are you being biased when Networking?

Affinity Bias

Affinity bias is the unconscious tendency to get along with others who are like us and to warm up to them easier.

This means that it can be easier to socialise and spend time with others who are not that different and therefore we gravitate towards spending time with people that we find it easier to get on with because they are similar to us.

It requires more effort to bridge differences with people who are different from us and therefore we are less likely to warm to them.

This can also apply to networking. It is important to have a diverse network. So be aware of when your unconsious bias comes into play when networking. Make sure that you are mixing with others and not just people like you. Equally, if you are a little nervous, it can also mean that relying on your bias can get you started / into the right frame of mind for networking (provided you are aware of it and don’t let it limit you).

Further Reading:

• How to be an ally at work and support your internal network